THE National Police reported on Tuesday that it has foiled another attempt by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria-inspired Maute Group to launch terrorist attacks in Metro Manila.
“I am glad that alert operatives of the NCRPO [National Capital Region Police Office] discovered and intercepted in time an improvised explosive device being prepared by the suspects even before it can be delivered to its possible target or used elsewhere,” Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa, National Police chief, said on Tuesday.
Dela Rosa also presented to the media a captured suspected Maute terror group member, identified as Nasip Ibrahim, 35, a native of Marawi City.
Ibrahim was arrested in a police operation in Salam Compound, Barangay Culiat, Quezon City, on Monday night.
“We are yet to uncover the circumstances surrounding this incident involving the Lanao-based Maute Group, but this discovery leads us to believe that the Maute Group has already established presence in Metro Manila; as to what extent, that is the subject of our follow-up investigation and operations,” dela Rosa said.
Seized from Ibrahim’s possession include a Colt caliber .45 pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition, a caliber .45 pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, a KG 9mm submachine gun with 34 rounds of ammunition, a 60mm mortar shell with a detonating device and seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of a crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu.
The suspect was one of the Maute Group members allegedly involved in the foiled bombing attempt in the vicinity of US Embassy in Manila in November last year.
“I do not want to sound alarmist or cause panic, but prudence, it has been said, is the better part of valor. I, therefore, urge our people to remain calm, yet alert, and vigilant of the presence of threat groups in our midst,” dela Rosa said.
The suspect is facing illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives charges, possession of prohibited drugs and obstruction of justice for allegedly concealing a wanted person.
The Metro Manila police commander, Director Oscar Albayalde, together with the chief of the Quezon City police, Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, confirmed that Metro Manila is now on “high-security threat level” after Ibrahim’s arrest.
Albayalde said the National Police is continuously focused on “target-hardening measures”, since there is a possibility that members of the terrorist group have established their presence in Metro Manila.
He said one of the leaders of the Maute Group, identified as Yusof Makoto, is reportedly in Metro Manila.